Order from a Major Online Bookstore
Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine
Save Your Time And Money
| AnyBook4Less.com | Order from a Major Online Bookstore |
|
| Home | Store List | FAQ | Contact Us | | ||
| Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine Save Your Time And Money |
||
 |
Title: Reading People : How to Understand People and Predict Their Behavior- -Anytime, Anyplace by Mark C. Mazzarella, Jo-Ellan Dimitrius ISBN: 0-345-42587-1 Publisher: Ballantine Books Pub. Date: 18 May, 1999 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $14.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.11 (46 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: Clues for better understanding
Comment: Not only did I like Dimitrius' book, but I am using her book as a reference for an interviewing skills class I teach at a local college.
Those who read this book and take the concepts literally are going to end up seeing profiles as stereotypes. Those who read this book in the context of "what can I learn to help me understand people better?" will gain insight into human behavior. No, this is not a sophisticated typing instrument, but rather a practical approach for using observation as a tool in helping us to understand characteristic human behaviors.
As I teach my students -- and as Dimitrius clearly demonstrates -- these observations are simply clues which lead to greater discovery. Physicians begin with observable symptoms, leading to relevant questions, narrower focus and to an eventual diagnosis. Similarly, behavioral clues help guide us in our search for a deeper understanding of the people with whom we live and work.
Rating: 4
Summary: An enjoyable, easy read for the open-minded
Comment: I read the book before I read the reviews online, and I must say that I'm quite shocked that there are people who didn't appreciate Jo-Ellan's book for what it had to offer. There are a few major complaints against the book, and I will address them as I recall them.
First, people say that the book reinforces stereotypes. Well, with a title like _Reading People_, I'm not sure how one can pretend that this is such a surprise. The whole point of the book is to categorize and identify different types of people in hopes of "reading" them, so the subject lends itself to stereotypical thinking. That said, there are NUMEROUS occasions on which Jo-Ellan points out that forming permanent impressions based on snap judgements obstructs your ability to accurately understand someone. Flexible and open judgement is best when it comes to predicting behavior. (And it wouldn't hurt when it comes to reviewing books online either!)
Second, people say that the book is filled with common sense. I could say this of several best-sellers in the same genre, and it wouldn't mean that the information contained within them is worthless. The world moves so quickly these days that it's hard to sit down and take stock of what is supposed to be obvious. Jo-Ellan includes the common sensical possibilities because, simply, the obvious can -- or does not have to be -- the case. For example, a man might keep his hair close cut because he is conservative, because he is forced to by a dress code at work, because he is in the armed forces, because the cut is flattering, or perhaps for some other less overt reason. It is important to list as many possibilities as possible, again, to keep an open mind, and those possibilities always include the obvious.
Third, there is talk that Jo-Ellan only accounts for American personalities. Most of her audience is American and would find that her focus on us is appropriate and useful. (Note: being a trial lawyer, she IS likely to talk about her area of expertise. Her references to trials are not at all complicated and are easily applicable to several "real-life" situations. Also, I don't think her choice of a career has much to do with the quality of this book, no matter HOW disgusting one thinks being a lawyer is.) If you are truly interested in knowing how folks in other countries think, feel, and behave, then take Jo-Ellan's advice: travel to the countries of interest, observe, and keep a database of information. Take note of common behaviors associated with telltale signals, but keep that mind ajar.
I found that the best thing Jo-Ellan's book has done for me is to increase my awareness and interest in people. Of course her book doesn't have "all the answers", but it certainly puts things in perspective. I find myself increasingly more attuned to other people's behavior, which has helped me understand their personalities.
I deny the book a five star rating because it isn't phenomenal. It is a fun eye-opener for people who aren't looking to know every detail about every person they will ever meet. Glean from it what you will. Approach the book knowing that it is not the definitive resource and that it will sometimes include what you think you already know, and you'll be pleased with the results.
Rating: 2
Summary: Disappointing
Comment: To quote the author, you can't judge a book by its cover.
In the airport bookstore, this book looked very promising. The author's specialty is picking jurors, often in high profile criminal cases. The cover promises the book will tell us "how to understand people and predict their behavior." It seems plausible that such an author would have some useful information to impart to those of us who would like to do a better job of understanding the people around us.
The book, however, has a couple of shortcomings:
First, most of the "people-reading" tips are pretty obvious. For example, the author tells us that if a person prominently displays alcohol in their house, there is a good chance they like to drink. Or that people who brag a lot are probably insecure and self-centered. For this I paid $15!
Second, the book lacks focus. Part of the book tells how people's dress, mannerisms, actions and so forth give clues to their character -- and in fairness, some of the author's thoughts in this regard are interesting. But then the book wanders off into the self-help genre, telling us how to use our new-found people reading skills to improve relationships. I suppose this sort of material sells, but it has little to do with the central premise of the book.
In short, my advice is to save yourself some money and pass on this one.
 |
Title: Never Be Lied To Again : How to Get the Truth In 5 Minutes Or Less In Any Conversation Or Situation by David J. Lieberman ISBN: 0312204280 Publisher: Griffin Trade Paperback Pub. Date: 10 September, 1999 List Price(USD): $12.95 |
 |
Title: Get Anyone to Do Anything : Never Feel Powerless Again--With Psychological Secrets to Control and Influence Every Situation by David J. Lieberman ISBN: 0312270178 Publisher: Griffin Trade Paperback Pub. Date: 11 May, 2001 List Price(USD): $12.95 |
 |
Title: Signals : How To Use Body Language For Power, Success, And Love by Allan Pease ISBN: 0553343661 Publisher: Bantam Pub. Date: 01 July, 1984 List Price(USD): $14.95 |
 |
Title: Teach Yourself Body Language by Gordon R. Wainright ISBN: 0071419721 Publisher: McGraw-Hill/Contemporary Books Pub. Date: 24 January, 2003 List Price(USD): $10.95 |
 |
Title: Conquering Deception by Jef Nance, Jef Nance ISBN: 0967286247 Publisher: Irvin-Benham Group, LLC Pub. Date: 16 October, 2001 List Price(USD): $12.00 |
Thank you for visiting www.AnyBook4Less.com and enjoy your savings!
Copyright� 2001-2021 Send your comments
